Planning your trip to East London

THE BEST WAY TO LONDON

From LAX, British, Air New Zealand, American, United and Virgin Atlantic offer nonstop service to London, and Continental, KLM, Delta, Air Canada, Lufthansa, US Airways and Air France offer connecting service (change of plane). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $366, excluding taxes and fees.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 44 (the country code for Britain) and 20 (city code for London).

WHERE TO STAY

The Hoxton, 81 Great Eastern St.; 7550-1000, http://www.hoxtonhotels.com. Opened in 2006 with 208 rooms, industrial-chic design, free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. Rooms for two typically $110-$310 a night. Weekends are cheaper than weekdays.

Boundary, 2-4 Boundary St.; 7729-1051, http://www.theboundary.co.uk. Twelve rooms and five suites, each saluting a different designer or style. Cafe downstairs, fancy restaurant in the basement and a rooftop bar and grill. Rooms for two about $250-$390, more for suites. Most affordable on Sunday nights.

Shoreditch Rooms, Ebor Street; 7739-5040, http://www.shoreditchhouse.com/shoreditch-rooms/bedrooms. Opened in 2010, this is part of Shoreditch House, a private club near Shoreditch Tube station. Twenty-six rooms (some tiny). Access to gym, pool, two club restaurants and bar. Rooms for two about $360-$425 a night.

WHERE TO EAT

St. John Bread & Wine, 94-96 Commercial St.; 3301-8069 or 7251-0848, http://www.stjohnbreadandwine.com. A new take on organ meats and other old English favorites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner main dishes usually about $20. Reservations recommended.